Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, stated on Thursday that he would do everything possible so that 2024 would be the year of liberation and reunification of Cyprus.

In a statement on Thursday during the cutting of the New Year’s cake at Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (RIK), President Christodoulides stressed that the year holds special significance for Cyprus. He noted that it marks 50 years since the brutal Turkish invasion and 50 years of ongoing occupation.

“We will do everything possible so that 2024 becomes the year of liberation and reunification of our homeland,” he said, adding that he truly believes this is possible with political will.

He referred to recent developments including the appointment of the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy who is expected in Cyprus.

President Christodoulides also pointed out that 2024 marks 20 years since the most significant success of the Republic of Cyprus – its accession to the European Union in 2004. He highlighted ongoing discussions in Brussels regarding the future of Europe and the upcoming elections for the new members of the European Parliament, leading to the formation of the new Commission and Council.

“We have already started preparing for the second presidency of the EU Council, scheduled for the first half of 2026, aiming to bring our state even closer to the core of the EU through specific actions in both our foreign and domestic policies,” he added.

He also noted that 2024 is an election year for both the European Parliament and the local government.

Regarding the reform of local government, the President acknowledged the significant challenge ahead and expressed confidence that through collaboration, they would achieve success.

In light of the 2024 election year, he conveyed a message to all parliamentary parties, urging them to collaborate with the government in practice.

“The problems we have to face and the challenges do not have a party character or an ideological character, and they can only be addressed through cooperation, so that we can meet the expectations of the Cypriot people,” noted President Christodoulides.

Additionally he called for collective efforts to meet the expectations of the Cypriot people and acknowledged the crucial role of RIK as well as the role of private radio and television stations in this endeavour.

The President of RIK’s Board, Giorgos Kentas, mentioned that the organisation is finally preparing the revision of RIK’s legislation to present a modern public broadcasting.

As he said RIK must learn to be disciplined and accountable just like the other channels in Cyprus.

Referring to 2024 as a challenging year for RIK, Kentas announced the organization’s initiatives to educate younger generations about the Cyprus issue. He concluded by expressing hope for the swift commencement of the process for a Cyprus resolution, aiming to restore peace, prosperity, and security in the region.